Now that the snow has melted and the sidewalks and streets are actually visible, it's time to lace up those running shoes. RedEye has compiled a list of April races to run in Chicago. (Information subject to change.)
April 12
The plug: "Help raise critical funds to help patients with blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, take the next step toward a life-saving marrow transplant."
Course: Montrose Harbor
Cost: $30 pre-registration; $35 the day of the race
Registration available: Until the race starts
The plug: "Finish under Wrigley Field's famous marquee."
Course: In Lakeview, near Wrigley Field
Cost: $45 for the timed run, $40 for a fun run
Registration available: Until April 10 or until the 10,000 runner capacity is reached.
The plug: "The SASSY organization hopes to make the SASSY Dash an annual tradition and provide funding for ... at-risk all-girls schools."
Course: Indian Boundary Park
Cost: $30 early registration; $35 the day of the race
Registration available: Until the race starts
April 13
>>Your Next Step is the Cure 5K
The plug: "Raise much-needed funds for the patient services and clinical research projects of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation."
Course: Montrose Harbor
Cost: $30 in pre-registration, $35 day of registration
Registration available: Until the race starts
April 19
>>Bunny Rock Half Marathon and 5K
The plug: "Every participant will receive bunny ears, sunglasses, and a custom Bunny Rock dri-FIT T-shirt."
Course: Grant Park and south along the lakefront
Cost: $70 for the half-marathon until April 19, $38 for the 5K until April 18
Registration available: There is day-of registration for the half-marathon
>>FirstMerit Bank Lakefront 10 Miler
The plug: "The perfect start to any runner's spring season!"
Course: Lakefront Trail on the North Side
Cost: $55 for members of the Chicago Area Runners Association, $70 for nonmembers
Registration available: Through April 18
April 26
>>FSR Kick In To Stop Sarcoidosis 5K
The plug: "Will bring awareness to sarcoidosis and also raise funds for continued sarcoidosis research"
Course: Lincoln Park
Cost: $20
Registration available: Until the race starts
The plug: "Creating hope for the pancreatic cancer community"
Course: Montrose Harbor
Cost: $35 in pre-registration, $45 the day of the race
Registration available: Until race starts
April 27
The plug: "This event, originally the first of its kind to take place in the community of Pilsen at Harrison Park during the month of May, brings over 25 Chicago Public Schools with over 1000 students."
Course: Harrison Park and the Lower West Side
Cost: $25 in pregistration (there are discounts for members of the Chicago Area Runners Association), $30 the day of the race
Registration available: Until the race starts
>>Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K
The plug: "Will raise critical funds to support vital brain tumor research and desperately needed services for those living with a brain tumor diagnosis."
Course: Soldier Field
Cost: $35
Registration available: Until April 18
>>Hyde Park 5 for Philanthropy
The plug: "Unites students from the university to runners from the greater Chicago community."
Course: University of Chicago
Cost: $30 for non-students in pre-registration, $35 on the day of the race
Registration available: Until the race starts
The plug: "Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital"
Course: Montrose Harbor
Cost: $35 until April 25, $45 on the day of the race
Registration available: Until the race starts
The plug: "This unique 5K is truly a neighborhood race, running through the scenic city streets of Ravenswood and Lincoln Square, and benefiting two local charities."
Course: Ravenswood and Lincoln Square
Cost: $35
Registration available: Until the 4,000 runner maximum is reached
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.